August is here and as you know, it can be a tough month for inshore anglers. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t have a really nice catch. Apalachicola Bay is holding some decent Specks and Reds. I suggest fishing the oyster beds with soft plastics with a good steady retrieve. Schools of Reds will be hanging out towards the tip of Cape San Blast. The key to catching them is to be stealthy. With busy boat traffic they are easily spooked. I suggest that you break out your push pole and leave the trolling motor at home. What bait should you use? My favorite is a 1\2 ounce DOA, white with Chart Tail or as another option, the ever faithful Johnson Gold Silver Minnow. As for the Specks, they will be hanging out on the deeper edges. I would focus on North of Eagle Harbor and Town Beach. A slow sinking Mirrolure will work wonders. I would suggest that you stay away from the south end of the bay as it will be full of scallopers. Speaking of scallops, we are expected to have twice the scallop count this year. I am finding them in deeper pot holes in the head of the bay, specifically, around Blacks Island. Snorkeling for them is my favorite way to catch them, but anyone with a good pair of water shoes, a bucket, and keen eye can walk out from the shore and find them. Good Luck!
By Captain Hal Tarpley
Shore Thang Charters
www.shorethangfishing.com